My Attmempt @ Meal Planning

It's no secret that my goals for this year are to get healthier {eat better & work out more} and budget {save money & pay off loans}. When my Beeb threw out the idea of meal planning I immediately dismissed it thinking there's no way I could ever plan a weeks worth of meals in advance. I get cravings for particular foods all the time--I would hate being restricted. 

Then, my wheels started turning. I thought that if I create a menu with a variety of foods I may eliminate those cravings and therefore won't devour unhealthy foods. On top of it, if I plan a nice variety of dinners we won't get sick of certain foods. I'm thinking one night Italian, one night Mexican, one night Asian, one night Beef, one night Turkey, one night Veggie...etc. etc. etc. 

As my wheels started turning even faster, I realized this could be a great way to budget as well. The plan is to go grocery shopping on Saturday or Sunday and get all the food we will need for the following week. This will help eliminate waste and help me keep track of exactly what we're spending on food....not to mention will prevent us from eating out or picking up dinner {usually unhealthy and expensive}.

Long story short, I agreed to join Beeb in the quest to be a meal planning maniac. I am still apprehensive so I made it a goal for February. If it sucks I only have to do it for four weeks and then I know that meal planning is not for me.

I know you are all just chomping at the bit to see what I'll be eating all week...
so I won't keep you waiting a moment longer.

Jan. 30 - Feb. 2	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY
BREAKFAST	Starbucks Latte, Veggie Sausage	Chobani Yogurt, Veggie Sausage	Chobani Yogurt, Veggie Sausage	Chobani Yogurt, Veggie Sausage	Chobani Yogurt, Veggie Sausage
LUNCH	Black Bean Bagel, Carrots, Blueberries	Black Bean Bagel, Carrots, Blueberries	Black Bean Bagel, Carrots, Blueberries	Black Bean Bagel, Carrots, Blueberries	Subway Sandwich, Apple Slices
DINNER	Greek Salad w/ Grilled Chicken	Dinner Out: Capital Grill	Enchilada Pasta	Leftovers: Enchilada Pasta	Turkey Tacos
SNACKS	Banana, String Cheese	Banana, String Cheese, Larabar	Banana, String Cheese	Banana, String Cheese, Larabar	Banana, String Cheese

I decided to go balls to wall and plan breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the whole week. I planned the dinners for both myself and Jason and then we can figure out our own breakfast and lunch. I also am not planning weekend--we can eat up any leftovers and more realistically will be going out to eat. 

Let's break it down, shall we?

BREAKFAST

I am in love with Chobani's Greek Yogurt, my favorite flavor is Peach. I love that they have a great variety, so I never get sick of them. They're low calorie, no fat AND filled with calcium! Score! I have also been loving Morningstar Farms Veggie Sausage Links. Only 80 calories for 2 links and SO yummy! This is the perfect breakfast for me because I can keep these in the fridge/freezer at work and make them when I get in in the morning {I like to sleep in until the last minute--so there's no way I'm getting up to make breakfast!}

LUNCH: 

I found this Black Bean Bagel recipe on Eat Better America and am pumped to try it! I pre-made the spread last night and made myself a little bagel sandwich this morning. I am NOT a fan of tomatoes so I put cucumbers and onion on the sandwich and also used a whole wheat bagel. I also have blueberries and baby carrots to eat with it every day this week...except Friday when I'm treating myself to a Subway Sandwich {6 inch on wheat with Turkey, Pepper Jack Cheese (toasted!) with Spinach, Cucumbers, Onion, Black Olives and Honey Mustard is my new favorite!}

DINNER: 

Greek Salad: one of my faves! I use lettuce, cucumber, red onion, carrots, low-fat feta cheese, kalamata olives, grilled lemon pepper chicken breast and a yummy vinaigrette! 

{ignore those disgusting tomatoes!}

Capital Grille: We're going to see The Lion King tomorrow night and are going out to a nice steak dinner beforehand! NOM! NOM! NOM!

Enchilada Pasta: Jason works late and plays basketball on Wednesday nights so I wanted to find something I could make for myself and he could heat up later. I tried THIS RECIPE a couple of weeks ago and both me and Jason LOVED it! And it tastes GREAT the next day...so I figured this would be a good two-night meal option. 

Turkey Tacos: Homemade Tacos just may be my favorite food on the planet. We've been substituting ground turkey for the beef for years and LOVE it. Tacos are a perfect Friday night meal. 

SNACKS:

I usually need a snack or two to get me through the day at work.

I figure a banana and some string cheese are good healthy options. Then, on the days I go to yoga after work I'll have a Larabar for some extra energy! 

Have you or do you meal plan? What works for you...I am dying to know! 

Also, to see what Carolyn is planning for the week go to her blog: Life, Love & Puppy Prints.

Wish me luck!